Dr. Brittany Friedman

Biography

Brittany Friedman is an award-winning sociologist specializing in the intersection of social control, politics, and law. As an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Southern California, she contributes to critical discussions on institutional violence, economic predation, and racism, emphasizing qualitative methodology and historical sociology. She co-founded the Captive Money Lab and has engaged in cross-national studies regarding inmate reimbursement practices known as 'pay-to-stay'. Her impactful work includes written testimonies presented to both state and federal lawmakers, summarizing peer-reviewed research to advocate for reform. Friedman is also affiliated with the American Bar Foundation as an Affiliated Scholar and the Black Studies Center, highlighting her commitment to social equity and justice. Her published works, including her upcoming book 'Carceral Apartheid: Lies White Supremacists Run Prisons', delve into themes of institutional accountability and economic justice. Friedman holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Northwestern University and has previously served in tenure-track appointments at Rutgers University. She has received numerous accolades, including the 2024-2025 USC Raubenheimer Outstanding Junior Faculty Award, further underscoring her contributions to the field.

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